re: I haven't been to New Orleans in 20 years, need recommendations

Bourbon street and the immediately adjacent areas are hella fun if you like bar hopping, drinking, live music, street performances and just like to party. You have basically zero chance of being bothered on bourbon street in a group, it's the to and from where you parked that can be sketchy. I highly recommend having some fun on a weekend night in bourbon street, if you like what I mentioned above, youll have a wonderful time.

Just DO NOT GO ALONE, AND DONT TAKE ANYTHING YOU DONT WANT LOST OR STOLEN. Look, chances are if you aren't looking for trouble, trouble won't find you. But shite happens, and putting yourself into a position to not be a victim is the best thing you can do. Scammers and pickpockets are your only real threat on bourbon street, that's why you stay in a group.